Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA)

Sharing our Christian faith is important. Others
worked in the harvest so that we reap the benefits
of the sacraments and spiritual guidance of the Holy
Mother Church. Likewise, we are charged with
bringing this same treasured gift to the next
generation,our faith community, and to others.
One way we accomplish our mission is to reach out
to others (non-Catholics) through the RCIA process.

What is RCIA?

RCIA is the progressive spiritual faith formation process through which non-Catholic adults (anyone over the age of seven) are received into the Catholic Church. RCIA is available in two ways. The first being for those who have not received any Christian baptism of any kind. The second is for those who have been baptized in a Christian denomination using the proper (Trinitarian) formula.

Why is baptism a distinction?

A valid baptism can only occur once in a lifetime. Once original sin is removed and a person is claimed for Christ (even as an infant), it is an action that cannot be repeated. So, those who have already been validly baptized in another Christian tradition have already received the sacrament and need only profess their acceptance of the Catholic faith as the Church established by Christ.

How long is the process?

First, understand that there are acceptable variations to the process. We have a formation model which begins in September and goes through May, meeting weekly (except for a few holidays). Four phases are included with the final three marked by a Liturgical Rite. Then, Baptism (or profession) occurs at the Easter Vigil Mass during Holy Week.

Conclusion

The RCIA process is basically a guide to conversion of heart led by the Holy Spirit. Various instructors will lead the Catechumen (candidate) through the process explaining the Church from its Jewish roots through the life of Jesus, to His Sacraments and the modern Church, and how the Church administers the Seven Sacraments. Over the years, the Catholic Church has determined that the age of reason is seven years. After that time all those received into the Church receive all three Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist). We do have a separate education component for the youth but the process is the same. Parishioners have a role to play in this process, either as mentors, as sponsors, coordinators and/or assistants, as well as members of the Sunday assembly as they remember the Catechumens in prayer and welcome them at services in the parish.

If you are interested in becoming Catholic, and going through the RCIA program, please call the parish office at (360) 385-3700 to set up a meeting with Father John... Welcome!! Please follow the link to download the RCIA Registration Form and the RCIA Registration Schedule...

If you are interested in helping out with the RCIA process, please contact Deacon Bill Swanson, Pastoral Assistant for Parish Faith Formation and RCIA at (360) 385-1662 or dcnswanson@qwestoffice.net through email for more information as to how you can offer your assistance in this rewarding experience.